Comments on: Column: Security Of Our Energy Supply Part IIhttp://bernews.com/2018/06/column-security-of-our-energy-supply-part-ii/ Bermuda's #1 source for 24/7 breaking news, photos & videosThu, 21 Mar 2019 16:46:44 +0000hourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=3.7.5By: Nick Hutchingshttp://bernews.com/2018/06/column-security-of-our-energy-supply-part-ii/#comment-4069364 Tue, 26 Jun 2018 11:41:33 +0000http://bernews.com/?p=762759#comment-4069364Good morning Steve, sorry I didn’t see your comment until yesterday. Sea bed mining and security of our energy supply are separate but not unrelated issues. The short answer is that the decision to move towards developing our deep-sea mineral resources now lies with the Government but even if they were to decide to go forward with it today, I wouldn’t expect actual mining until 2030 at the earliest.

That is not to say there would not be more immediate economic benefit derived from the process but that is a discussion for another column.

The major problem with deep-sea mining as it relates to climate change comes from being a very energy intensive industry. Currently that energy comes from burning fossil fuel. However, by 2030 oceanic renewables (wind and wave energy) will be far less expensive than heavy fuel oil (HFO) generation and, by a large factor, most of the energy needed to mine will come from renewables.

“I commit to put forward my best effort in order to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change”

As well, I will try to lower my footprint on the planet in all manner of activities being mindful of my usage of all resources.

Bermuda needs to look towards alternative energy and away from huge investments in fossil fuels that will lock us into one fuel for years and years. Diversification of the energy supply is the way forward. Technology is moving more quickly than people expected. Prices are lowering and efficiencies are improving such that alternative energy is leading the energy future.

]]>By: Gil Nolanhttp://bernews.com/2018/06/column-security-of-our-energy-supply-part-ii/#comment-4024975 Tue, 12 Jun 2018 17:48:10 +0000http://bernews.com/?p=762759#comment-4024975I do believe that Climate change is: “The single biggest threat to life, security and prosperity on Earth and, certainly one of the single biggest threats to our economy, qualifies as special circumstances.” “I commit to put forward my best effort in order to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change” I urge Bermuda to participate in the present Electricity IRP Review Process by submitting your thoughts on quality solutions for Bermuda’s energy future. Please do that this month before the deadline with delivery to the Regulatory Authority. Investment in renewables and grid infrastructure improvements today will yield significant value for our wallets and our environment. ]]>By: Gil Nolanhttp://bernews.com/2018/06/column-security-of-our-energy-supply-part-ii/#comment-4024947 Tue, 12 Jun 2018 17:38:02 +0000http://bernews.com/?p=762759#comment-4024947I do believe that Climate change is: “The single biggest threat to life, security and prosperity on Earth and, certainly one of the single biggest threats to our economy, qualifies as special circumstances.” “I commit to put forward my best effort in order to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change” ]]>By: Alan Burlandhttp://bernews.com/2018/06/column-security-of-our-energy-supply-part-ii/#comment-4024778 Tue, 12 Jun 2018 16:41:38 +0000http://bernews.com/?p=762759#comment-4024778I am pleased to pledge my support to this most worthy cause. I would like to see Bermuda lead by example showing the world what can be done to live and operate in a sustainable fashion. Bermuda has been slow to act so far but we can, and must, catch up for the sake of, ourselves, our industries and businesses, and future generations. Please Bermuda Government, Regulatory Authority and BELCO, be a key supporter, with us, of this initiative. ]]>By: Russ Frithhttp://bernews.com/2018/06/column-security-of-our-energy-supply-part-ii/#comment-4024715 Tue, 12 Jun 2018 16:20:05 +0000http://bernews.com/?p=762759#comment-4024715Nice article, Nick. I definately support your efforts to find ways to reduce the cost of solar power for Bermudians and spread the word. I also agree the more energy that can be generated without burning fossil fuels the better. Whether one believes global warming is real and caused by burning fossil fuels, continuing to pump CO2 into the atmosphere at present rates and hoping rising temperatures and sea levels and increase hurricane activity go away, really is a dumb experiment. ]]>By: Kathy Cervinohttp://bernews.com/2018/06/column-security-of-our-energy-supply-part-ii/#comment-4024366 Tue, 12 Jun 2018 14:30:24 +0000http://bernews.com/?p=762759#comment-4024366Nicely written, Nick. I have the utmost respect for you in your effort to change the thinking in Bermuda.

“I commit to put forward my best effort in order to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change”

]]>By: Deborah Lombardohttp://bernews.com/2018/06/column-security-of-our-energy-supply-part-ii/#comment-4024235 Tue, 12 Jun 2018 13:43:53 +0000http://bernews.com/?p=762759#comment-4024235I commit doing all I can to protect our earth by using alternative energy, reducing plastic usage and upholding the assertions of the scientific community that fossil fuel use has contributed greatly to climate change.

We here are in a unique position to be a poster child for alternative energy independence. Look at our water system! We can make a difference by embracing the need for sustainable methods of creating energy and independence from fossil fuels. Our leaders need to make this a priority. Make it mandatory for All new commercial buildings (including Belco’s new plant; Yes! You who give lip service to supporting alternative energy, but have no intention of installing it) to install solar panels to offset energy use.

Cost of solar panels has gone down significantly since their inception, but still expensive for many. Ship that 40’ container to Fernandina Beach, Florida, then divide it into 2 20’ containers! Let’s make alternative energy an affordable resource. Get greener! Together we can!

]]>By: Judith Wadsonhttp://bernews.com/2018/06/column-security-of-our-energy-supply-part-ii/#comment-4024157 Tue, 12 Jun 2018 13:16:47 +0000http://bernews.com/?p=762759#comment-4024157Bermuda needs to be a solution to the world problem of climate change. PLEASE Government listen to the proven exacerbating contributors that have already decimated our planet’s oceans and landfills: Legislation is needed to support the reversal of climate change: Ban plastic/styrofoam packaging organic and conventional vegetables, snacks, meats and cheeses done in and by Bermuda’s grocery stores and restaurants for take-away containers. There are solutions: environmentally- and endocrinological-safe packaging are being used elsewhere and could be imported to Bermuda as easily as the offending plastics. Bermuda’s beaches are famous for their pink sand, but now the serious breakdown of plastic from the world’s oceans that have landed on our shores have made the sand green, blue, yellow and white, too. Ask Dr. Robbie Smith about it! Look to the island in Denmark — Samso — an area about 40 square miles long with a permanent population of about 4,000 — all of them living a green dream. It can be done. It is being done. Talk to Sea Legacy. Get the input and do something now not next year. PLEASE for the sake of every living organism. ]]>By: BelmontBluehttp://bernews.com/2018/06/column-security-of-our-energy-supply-part-ii/#comment-4023990 Tue, 12 Jun 2018 12:23:36 +0000http://bernews.com/?p=762759#comment-4023990“I commit to put forward my best effort in order to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change.” I will pressure the Government of Bermuda to enact legislation banning the import of Internal Combustion Engine powered road vehicles with effect from 1 January 2026 and hybrids from 1 January 2031 and to devise and implement with stakeholders a clear strategy to deliver the infrastructure necessary to make this happen. I will further continue to challenge vigorously BELCO’s IRP and the demagogic, self-serving behaviour of the Ascendant Group board of directors. ]]>By: Loquat Treehttp://bernews.com/2018/06/column-security-of-our-energy-supply-part-ii/#comment-4019839 Mon, 11 Jun 2018 12:22:49 +0000http://bernews.com/?p=762759#comment-4019839“I commit to put forward my best effort in order to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change” ]]>